Press Release
June 30, 2010

National Archives Celebrates July 4 with New Logo and 1st Ever Parade Float!

Washington, DC…On Sunday, July 4, the National Archives celebrates Independence Day with its annual ceremony, its first ever National Independence Day Parade float, and a brand new logo.

The first ever National Archives Independence Day Parade Float features the Declaration of Independence and other “National Treasures” from the holdings of the National Archives. This float will launch the National Independence Day Parade in front of the National Archives Building. The parade starts at 11:45 am.

The float also features a brand new National Archives logo. The National Archives Building in Washington, DC, was designed by noted architect John Russell Pope. Inspired by Pope’s classical architecture and sculptural detail, the logo features a majestic stone eagle. The eagle symbolizes protection – underscoring the role of the National Archives as guardian of this nation’s records.

“Eagles traditionally represent strength, courage, farsightedness, and immortality, and wings symbolize forward movement, swiftness, and protection. The National Archives strives to carry out its mission with the vision to serve not only the citizens of today, but also those of the future,” said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero. “Each day our staff across the country works to find new ways to make the rich resources in our holdings accessible and usable more quickly and efficiently. We are a strong, courageous advocate for transparent, participatory government that is accountable to its people,” the Archivist added.

The “Trajan” font selected for this new logo connects with inscriptions on the National Archives Building. Trajan font is named for Roman Emperor Trajan, known for his extensive public building program. The font is based on the letterforms of Roman square capitals, influenced by the style of the chiseled writings of the Romans during the first century A.D. The bronze color of the logo represents the large bronze doors of the National Archives Building that both guard and provide access to the records the National Archives holds in trust for the public.